Do you ever look at the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Ava Duvernay, Lindy Mtongana, among others and think why not? Well, the myths connected with dreadlocks particularly in African setting are a bit over the top. Hopefully for us, someday people will demystify these social beliefs concerning locs. Today, the focus is on the various dreadlock hairstyles for women as well as the benefits of the styles.

Source: Divaz Haven

Dreadlocks hairstyles are almost similar to two strand twist braids but having natural hair. Some of the other popular names are locs, rasta, or Sanskrit. With the dreads hairdos, you can proudly wear your natural crown and worry less about heat damage or weakened ends/sides. In most cases, the preferred hair type for locs is afro-textured hair.

Nevertheless, more and more people have embraced dreadlocks including Caucasians who have silky hair. The dreadlocks headdress is among the most accomplished natural hairstyles for ladies. You can color them, keep them short or long, braid them, wear a wig or weave beneath them or experiment with styles as illustrated by the dreadlocks hairstyles photos.

The best part is, they are easy to maintain. In fact, you do not need to brush or frequently trim like natural hair. But, remember to keep dreads clean all the time. When the stray hairs appear, you can visit go to the saloon to tuck them back. As the dreadlocks hair grow, they look better and neater and require little hair maintenance.

Dreadlock hairstyles for women

Source: Simply Cool Things

As mentioned above, you can do just about anything with dreadlocks. So, here is a compilation of the latest dreadlock styles.

Short dreadlock hairstyles

Baby locs are the very first step to growing healthy dreadlocks. At this stage, the hair is usually pretty short. If you have relaxed hair, you can always trim it and join the ever-growing dreadlock community. You can agree to disagree that short, unkempt dirty hair/afros are not dreadlocks. In fact, such hair styles feeds the stereotype that dreadlocks are for dirty, and careless people. That being said, here are some dreadlock styles for short hair.

Short dreadlock hairstyle -Tamed dreadlocks

Source: Loc’d Life Magazine

The look incorporates flat twists in the front and hanging dreadlocks at the back. The hairstyle is simple, neat and chic. Plus, if you do not like your hair touching your face or eyes, this is your go-to style. Also, you do not have to put too much effort maintaining this hairstyle. You can rock the tamed dreadlock look during formal and informal occasions.

Alternatively, you can switch up the twists running from left to right and leaves some locks hanging at the back. Now the only catch is some of your dreadlocks will be in contact with your face.

Short dreadlocks hairstyle -Side swept twists

Source: Straight Up Hairstyles

Young or old, the side look always works for all. You can plait a section of the side locs up to the area next to the ear and hold the rest of the locs with a pin.

Source: How to Dress

For a fuller side-swept twist look, you can braid the from right to left and let the ends hang loose.

Source: Hairstyles and Haircuts

Short dreadlocks hairstyle – Mohawk

You know the Mohawk never gets out of style. The look is neat and fierce at the same time and makes you stand out from the others. Below are some ideas on how to wear this ever-trendy hairstyle with locs.

Side twist mohawk

With this style, the locks are braided from one side then left loose at the center of your head. Some may choose to tie up the ends.

Source: Pinterest

Source: 833 Team

Source: Carinas Studios

Mohawk with front/side bangs

Some locks are let loose to form hits on the side or the front.

Source: Lvshakes

Mohawk with undercut

A clean shave always makes the sides of your hair look great. The look is a favorite for the younger ladies and gents.

Source: Pinterest

Short dreadlocks hairstyle- High bun

At times, a girl wants to look chic and show off excellent facial features. The look is elegant, and you can wear it for any occasion including your wedding date. Also, the hairstyle lets your jewelry shine, so make sure you accessorize with a signature neckpiece or earrings depending on your dress of choice.

Source: Hairstyle Pictures Magz

Short dreadlock hairstyles – Curled updo with side bangs

Source: Design Sumo

The style is perfect bridal look and flatters all face types. Even after the big day, you can easily maintain the hairstyle.

Tips for growing and maintaining short dreadlocks

Like with natural hair, your goal should be to achieve growth in volume and length as well as have healthy dreadlocks. Therefore, as you nurture the short locs here are some tips to help you throughout your journey.

Ensure that the dreadlocks are residue free

You can do this by keeping the locks tight at all time. When you wash with shampoo, rinse and dry thoroughly to avoid any remains. The presence of residue tends to cause scalp irritations and makes it hard for locks to dry or be tight.

Wear a headscarf while sleeping

With a scarf, you can prevent lint or feathers on your locks and keep them neat at all times.

Moisturize you dreads to avoid breakage

Now, you do not want your hair to be falling, or to have very thin dreads. Therefore, apart from regular moisturizing, watch what you eat. Proper nutrition is essential for healthy hair growth.

Use rubber bands to keep new dreadlocks separated

New locs tend to be delicate and require extra care for the firm few weeks before they are firm.

Long dreadlocks hairstyle

Another misconception about dreadlocks is that they do not grow. Locs grow as fast as your natural hair with proper care and treatment. If anything, so many people have been able to achieve significant growth in one year. According to the Guinness World Record book, the longest dreadlocks are over 19 feet long. While this may seem a bit over the top, it is possible to grow your dreads to the length you desire. But, always remember the longer the hair, the more the responsibility.

Long Dreadlocks Hairstyle- Colored Locs Twist High Bun

Does the idea of color blocking/ coordinating interest you? There are multiple ways of achieving different colors on your locks. You can opt to color the ends or some strands. When held together, the colored ends are the highlight of the crown. In fact, it is easy to confuse the bun, with the ready-made alternatives.

Source: Pinterest

Source: Pinterest

Long dreadlocks hairstyle- dreadhawk

The long dreads give your mohawk more volume. You can hold them up in a frontal bun or petaled bangs.

Source: @Locsbylokelo

Long dreadlocks hairstyle- Side locs look with flat twist

The hairstyle is perfect if you want to show off the length of your braids but still hold them up neatly.

Long dreadlocks hairstyle- Braided locs

You can imitate the box braid look using your locks. All you have to do is to neatly partition the dreads then hold the sections together using the three-strand twist. Alternatively, you can use the two strand twists as illustrated by this.

Source: Design Divas

Dreadlock hairstyles tips for growing long Locs

Dreadlocks growth like hair depends on various factors including genetics, hormones, age, and nutrition. You may not be able to control all the elements involved, but you may take some steps to stimulate the growth of hair.

1. Massaging your scalp

When you rub the scalp, the flow of blood to hair follicles increases and as a result enables hair growth.

2. Vitamin rich diet

Experts link Vitamins A, D, B, C and E with hair growth. Vitamin D helps in the creation of new hair follicles while Vitamin E contributes to a healthier scalp. On the other hand, vitamin B plays an essential role in conditioning and strengthening your hair. Some researchers suggest that Vitamin A may help you moisturize your hair. Vitamin C contains hair anti-aging properties. Therefore, ensure you add fruits and vegetables such as Spinach, carrots, oranges, avocados, and kales. Fatty fish, grains, mushrooms, cod liver oil, and almonds are also rich sources of vitamins. The other essential nutrients for hair growth are proteins, iron, and zinc. Overall, commit to eating a balanced diet every day as you will be able to cater for all of your nutritional needs per day as well as help your hair grow.

3. Exercise

The multiple benefits of exercise, directly and indirectly, contribute to your hair growth. For example, a healthy body may lead to glowing skin and better hair. By reducing stress, exercise helps you combat hair loss. The other result of regular workouts is the regeneration of cells which allows you sleep better than before. Lastly, the blood flow increases leading to the nourishment of the hair follicles and growth of hair.

With exercise, you can start small. Regular 30 minutes’ walk may help you in your quest to have better hair. Cardio activities you can engage in include running, weightlifting, and aerobics.

4. Enough sleep

7 hours or more of sleep is not only good for your body but also your hair. Sleep helps the body rejuvenate, secrete hormones that promote growth and repair muscles and tissues.

5. Yoga

Yoga will help you increase the flow of blood in your body and help decrease the stress levels.

Easy dreadlock hairstyle

Every girl’s dream is to find a non-complicated style that suits their face. Here are some hairstyles that do not require specialist skills.

Easy dreadlock hairstyle- Simple side sweep look

Source: Girly Hairstyle Inspiration

When you do not have enough time, but still want to look chic, you can hold the locs to one side using pins or simple twists.

Alternatively, you can split the locs just at the side with a distinct line to achieve an edgy and elegant look.

Easy dreadlocks hairstyles – Locs half up, half down

A basic yet very instrumental style that requires less than five seconds to complete.

Source: Pinterest

Easy Dreadlock Hairstyle- Dreadlocks Bob

Another timeless hairstyle is the bob. The style is suitable for the young and old. Even though the size and shape may vary, the chin-length bob is more popular. You can also style your bob braids with cowrie shells and colored beads.

Source: Style Craze

Latest dreadlocks hairstyles

Bow bun hairstyle

Stand out with the bow crown hairstyle. It is a creative way of shifting from the regular circular bun. You can accessorize the bow with beads or a flower.

Source: Hom Shom

The hairstyle looks like an improved version of the double bun dreadlocks hairstyle.

Source: Pinterest

Locs with straight bangs

People with silky hair prefer having locs at the ends. As such, they can achieve this hairstyle effortlessly. Even with fully locked hair, you can wear a weave at the front to pull this look.

Source: Pinterest

Tamed long locs with two flat twists

The advantage of having long locs is that you can hold them together in singles or two twists.

Source: Style Craze

Cornrow styles with a bun

Tuck in your locks using neat flat twists. The look is unisex, and you can wear it formal and informal functions.

Source: Pinterest

The Side Bun

You know side bun is as outstanding as the side eye. You can either tuck all the hair up to the side or a portion.

Source: Wikipedia

Dreadlocks hairstyles 2019- Loc knots

You can achieve a curly or wavy look with the loc knots. The unique and chic style can last for several days. The most exciting bit is that you can do it from the comfort of your home using a setting spray and rubber bands. The process of takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Dreadlock hairstyles – petaled afro

Source: YouTube

You can achieve the petaled look by folding your dreadlocks into petal-like shapes and then securing them with pins. The only problem will be trying to sleep without ruining the petals. One way of overcoming this challenge is sleeping with a satin bonnet.

Dreadlock hairstyle for ladies- Synthetic locs

Today, you can rock dreads without having to perm or loc your natural hairs. Currently, the faux locs are most common synthetic variety. One advantage of faux locs and goddess braids is that you can wear any color without dying your natural hair.

Source: Pinterest

Pictures of dreadlock hairstyles center on creative styles. Just like art, the creation of outstanding hairstyles requires skill and creativity. So far, hair specialists have outdone themselves. Here are some superb loc styles.